Inhibition of SARS-associated coronavirus (SCoV) infection and replication by RNA interference

Abstract

The present invention relates to therapeutic agents useful for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans. In particular, the present invention relates to RNA interference (RNAi) molecules useful for inhibiting the infection and replication of hSARS virus. Preferably, the RNAi molecules target the replicase region of the hSARS virus, or combinations of different sites of hSARS virus genes. The present invention further encompasses methods of using the RNAi molecules for preventing and/or treating SARS. Vaccines and kits comprising therapeutically effective amounts of the RNAi molecules are also encompassed.

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 and/or the complement of SEQ ID NO:4. 
     
     
       2. The nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  wherein said nucleic acid molecule is double-stranded. 
     
     
       3. The nucleic acid molecule of  claim 2  wherein said nucleic acid molecule is a RNA. 
     
     
       4. A vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       5. An isolated host cell containing the vector of  claim 4 . 
     
     
       6. A formulation comprising an effective amount of the nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1  operably linked to one or more control elements, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       7. A kit comprising a container containing the formulation of  claim 6 . 
     
     
       8. A method for inhibiting SARS viral infection or replication in a cultured cell comprising administering to the cell an effective amount of the nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 and/or the complement of SEQ ID NO:4, or at least 10 or more contiguous nucleotides of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 and/or the complement of said contiguous nucleotides.